—
Rody’s hand was warm as it clasped Manon’s, both of them walking through the quiet halls of the adoption center. Their two kids, a preteen girl named Sophie with Rody’s auburn hair and a toddler boy named Lucas with Manon’s green eyes, stayed close, curious about what was happening.
Manon’s heart ached with every step, the echo of the doctor’s words still fresh in her mind: *”You won’t be able to have children again.”* The miscarriage had been a devastating blow, and learning that they couldn’t try again felt like salt in an open wound. She had always envisioned a big family, noisy dinners, and laughter echoing through a house full of children. But reality had shattered that dream.
They had decided to adopt, hoping to find a younger child who could fill the void left by their loss. As they walked past room after room, Manon felt the pang of uncertainty deep in her chest. Could she truly love another child as fiercely as her own? She glanced at Rody, who had that determined look in his eyes-the one that had convinced her to go on that first date, to buy their first house, to keep pushing through the hardest of times.
It was that same look that drew him to the corner of the room, where a pale boy sat alone. He was almost seventeen, tall and lanky, with dark circles under his eyes. He looked up when they approached, his black eyes empty yet watchful.
“Who’s that?” Rody asked one of the staff members nearby.
The woman sighed, her expression turning somber. “That’s Vincent. He’s been here since he was a newborn. No one wants to adopt him because of his age.”
Something in Rody softened as he looked at the boy. “Since he was a newborn?” he repeated, disbelief lacing his voice. “He’s never had a family?”
The woman shook her head. “No. He’s been through the system his whole life. He’s almost aged out now.”
Rody turned to Manon, his green eyes pleading. “Manon,” he whispered, his voice filled with that gentle yet insistent tone she could never resist, “we can’t leave him here. He deserves a family too.”
Manon hesitated, her eyes flicking between Rody and Vincent. She had hoped for a younger child, someone who could grow with Sophie and Lucas. But the way Rody was looking at Vincent-like he could already see him as part of their family-made her heart squeeze.
She sighed softly, knowing she could never say no to him. “Alright,” she agreed. “But it’s not going to be easy. He’s almost an adult, Rody.”
“I know,” Rody said, his voice firm. “But I can’t just walk away from him. We’ll make it work.”
—
The first few weeks with Vincent were surprisingly smooth. He was quiet, always polite, and more than willing to help around the house. Rody quickly became fond of him, often pulling Vincent into whatever project he was working on, whether it was fixing the car or putting together furniture. The bond between them grew rapidly, with Vincent clinging to Rody’s every word and action.
To Manon’s surprise, Vincent was incredibly attentive to Sophie and Lucas. He seemed to have a natural knack for caring for them, almost like an older sibling who had always been part of the family. He would help Sophie with her homework, patiently explaining things she didn’t understand. With Lucas, he was gentle, playing with him and soothing him whenever he got fussy.
But something about the way Vincent interacted with the children unsettled Manon. It wasn’t that he was rude or mean-in fact, he was the opposite. He was too perfect, too doting. It was almost as if he was trying to take her place. He would often suggest activities that were usually her domain, like reading bedtime stories or making their favorite snacks. The kids loved him, of course, and Manon found herself pushed further and further to the sidelines.
She tried talking to Rody about it one night after the kids were in bed. “There’s something not right about Vincent,” she began cautiously, not wanting to upset him.
Rody looked at her with surprise. “What do you mean? He’s been nothing but sweet.”
Manon frowned, trying to find the right words. “It’s just… I think he’s trying to replace me. He’s too close to the kids. It’s like he wants them to see him as their parent instead of me.”
Rody laughed softly, shaking his head. “Come on, Manon. Vincent’s just trying to fit in. He’s been through a lot, and he probably just wants to be part of the family.”
Manon bit her lip, not wanting to push too hard. She knew Rody had a soft spot for the boy, and she didn’t want to come between them. But as the days went on, her unease grew.
Vincent’s behavior became more pronounced. He would subtly undermine Manon’s authority in front of the kids, gently correcting her or offering alternatives to her decisions. Sophie and Lucas started to go to Vincent for things they used to ask Manon for, and she felt her connection with them slipping away.
Whenever Manon tried to talk to Rody about it, he would brush it off, convinced that Vincent was just being helpful. He couldn’t see the way Vincent’s eyes would glint with satisfaction when he succeeded in making Manon feel excluded.
One evening, after putting the children to bed, Manon found herself alone in the kitchen. She was wiping down the counters when she felt a presence behind her. She turned to see Vincent standing in the doorway, his expression unreadable.
“Can I help you?” she asked, trying to keep her tone light.
Vincent stepped closer, his eyes dark and intense. “Do you wish I wasn’t here?”
Manon stiffened, taken aback by the directness of the question. “What makes you think that?”
He shrugged, his gaze never leaving hers. “You don’t like me. You’re always watching me, waiting for me to mess up.”
“That’s not true,” Manon replied, though the words felt hollow even to her. She didn’t trust him, but admitting it felt like conceding to something she couldn’t explain.
Vincent smiled then, a small, twisted smile that sent chills down her spine. “You should be careful, Manon. People can change, especially when they feel unwanted.”
Before she could respond, Rody walked into the kitchen, and Vincent’s entire demeanor shifted. The coldness in his eyes vanished, replaced by a warm, almost shy expression.
“Hey, Dad,” Vincent said, his voice soft and sweet. “Do you need help with anything?”
Rody smiled at him, ruffling his hair affectionately. “I think we’re good, kiddo. Why don’t you head to bed?”
Vincent nodded, throwing one last look at Manon before leaving the kitchen.
As soon as he was gone, Rody turned to Manon. “See? He’s trying so hard to fit in. I don’t understand why you’re so suspicious.”
Manon opened her mouth to argue, but the words died on her lips. She felt like she was losing her mind, like she was the only one who could see the truth. But Rody was blind to it, blinded by the affection he had for the boy they had taken in.
And Vincent knew it. He knew exactly how to play Rody, how to keep him on his side.
As the weeks turned into months, Manon’s relationship with Vincent only grew more strained, but Rody remained oblivious. Vincent continued to play the perfect son in front of Rody, while subtly undermining Manon at every turn. The children adored him, especially Lucas, who began to see Vincent as a second father. Sophie often sought Vincent’s advice and comfort, which only deepened Manon’s feelings of inadequacy.
Rody did his best to keep the family together, but he was torn between the two people he cared about most. He couldn’t believe that the sweet boy who had never known love could be the cause of so much pain.
One night, after putting the children to bed, Rody found himself sitting on the porch, staring out at the stars. Vincent joined him, slipping quietly into the chair beside him.
“Do you ever think about what life would have been like if you hadn’t adopted me?” Vincent asked softly.
Rody shook his head. “I can’t imagine it. You’re part of the family now, Vincent. We’re better with you here.”
Vincent smiled, though there was something unreadable in his eyes. “I’m glad you feel that way. I want to make you proud, Dad.”
“You already do,” Rody assured him, patting his shoulder.
As Rody spoke, Vincent’s eyes shifted toward the window, where he could see Manon watching them. His smile grew, but it was a smile only she could see, one that promised more trouble to come.
And as he looked back at Rody, he knew he had exactly what he wanted.
The tension in the house grew thicker with each passing day. Manon felt increasingly isolated, her words and actions constantly twisted in a way that made her seem paranoid and unreasonable. The more she tried to warn Rody, the more distant he became, his loyalty to Vincent unshakable.
Vincent, for his part, played his role perfectly. In front of Rody, he was the picture of a dutiful son-helpful, kind, and eager to please. But whenever they were alone, he would make subtle remarks to Manon, little barbs that chipped away at her confidence.
“Why don’t you let me handle Lucas tonight?” Vincent would say when Manon went to soothe her crying toddler. “You look tired. I’m sure he’d rather have me tuck him in.”
Or, “Sophie and I have a special bond. She tells me everything. I don’t think she needs another lecture from you.”
These comments, seemingly innocuous to anyone else, felt like daggers to Manon. She could see the calculated nature behind them, the way Vincent was slowly, methodically, positioning himself as the more capable, more loved parent.
One evening, things finally came to a head. Manon was in the kitchen, preparing dinner, when Sophie came in, looking upset. “Mom, can I talk to you?” she asked, her voice shaky.
“Of course, sweetheart. What’s wrong?” Manon set down the knife and turned to her daughter, concern written across her face.
“It’s about Vincent,” Sophie hesitated, glancing over her shoulder as if afraid of being overheard. “He… he said some things to me. About you.”
Manon’s heart skipped a beat. “What did he say?”
Sophie looked down, fidgeting with her hands. “He said that you’re not happy with him being here. That you wish he wasn’t part of the family. Is that true?”
Manon’s breath caught in her throat. “No, Sophie, that’s not true at all. I love you, and I want our family to be happy. But… Vincent has been making things difficult.”
Sophie’s brow furrowed in confusion. “But he’s so nice to me and Lucas. He’s always helping us, and he makes us feel safe. Why would he do something to hurt you?”
Manon sighed, kneeling down to be at eye level with her daughter. “Sometimes, people can be different when others aren’t watching. I think Vincent is struggling, and he’s acting out because he’s afraid. But it’s important that you know I would never wish him away. I just want what’s best for our family.”
Before Sophie could respond, the door to the kitchen swung open, and Vincent entered. He looked between them, his expression carefully neutral. “What are you talking about?” he asked, his voice innocent.
Manon straightened up, her heart pounding. “Just a little mother-daughter talk,” she said, forcing a smile.
Vincent’s eyes flicked to Sophie, and for a brief moment, there was a flicker of something dark in his gaze. But it vanished as quickly as it appeared. “I see. Sophie, why don’t you go finish your homework? I’ll help Mom with dinner.”
Sophie glanced between them, uncertain, before nodding. “Okay. Thanks, Vincent.” She shot Manon a small, apologetic smile before leaving the room.
Once they were alone, the air in the kitchen felt charged with unspoken tension. Manon busied herself with chopping vegetables, refusing to look at Vincent.
“You’re turning them against me,” Vincent said quietly, his voice laced with accusation.
Manon’s hand froze mid-chop. She turned to face him, anger bubbling up inside her. “I’m not the one playing games here, Vincent. Why are you doing this? Why can’t you just be a part of the family without trying to tear it apart?”
Vincent’s face twisted into a sneer. “Because I don’t belong here. Not with you. I don’t need a mother, and they don’t need you. They need me.”
“They’re *my* children!” Manon snapped, the frustration and fear she’d been holding back for months finally boiling over. “You may have wormed your way into Rody’s heart, but you will never replace me.”
Vincent stepped closer, his dark eyes boring into hers. “We’ll see about that.”
Manon felt a shiver run down her spine. She realized, with a sickening certainty, that this wasn’t just about Vincent wanting a place in their family. He wanted her *gone*. He wanted to take her place, to be the one Rody and the kids turned to for everything. And he was willing to do whatever it took to make that happen.
She knew she couldn’t let this go on any longer. She needed to confront Rody, to make him see the truth before it was too late. But as she opened her mouth to speak, Vincent cut her off.
“You should be careful, Manon,” he said softly, his voice dripping with false sweetness. “Rody might start to think you’re the one with the problem. After all, I’m not the one who’s been causing all this tension, am I?”
Manon’s breath caught in her throat. She knew he was right. Rody had been growing more distant, more frustrated with her attempts to bring up concerns about Vincent. If she pushed too hard, she risked losing him entirely.
Vincent must have seen the doubt in her eyes, because he smiled-a slow, satisfied smile that made her blood run cold. He turned away, leaving her standing there, her hands trembling with the weight of her decision.
She knew she had to be smart, to find a way to expose Vincent’s true intentions without alienating Rody. But how could she fight someone who was so skilled at manipulation, someone who had already won over the hearts of the people she loved most?
That night, as she lay in bed beside Rody, she felt more alone than ever. She wanted to reach out to him, to tell him everything, but the fear of driving a wedge between them kept her silent. Instead, she closed her eyes and prayed for strength, for the courage to protect her family from the darkness that had wormed its way into their home.
As she tried to drift off to sleep, Vincent’s words echoed in her mind: *”We’ll see about that.”*
That night, as Manon lay in bed beside Rody, she couldn’t shake the feeling of Vincent’s eyes on her, even though he was nowhere near. The house was quiet, the only sounds the occasional rustle from Lucas’s room and the soft creak of the floorboards as the house settled. But the silence felt oppressive, charged with unspoken tension.
Rody, who had been dozing off, stirred when Manon shifted beside him. “You okay?” he murmured, his voice thick with sleep.
Manon hesitated, staring at the ceiling. “Rody… we need to talk about Vincent.”
Rody sighed, already sounding defensive. “Manon, please. Not this again. He’s a good kid. He’s been through a lot, and we need to be patient with him.”
“But that’s just it,” Manon said, turning to face him. “I don’t think you understand how much he’s manipulating you-manipulating us.”
Rody frowned, his hand reaching out to take hers. “He’s not manipulating anyone. He’s just… trying to find his place in this family. We adopted him, remember? He’s our son now.”
Manon squeezed his hand, searching his face for some sign that he might understand. “He’s not trying to be our son, Rody. He’s trying to replace me. He’s… he’s obsessed with you.”
Rody pulled back slightly, his frown deepening. “Obsessed? What are you talking about?”
Manon took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. “He does everything he can to be close to you. He makes sure he’s always around when you are, and when he talks about you… there’s something more there, something that isn’t normal for a child talking about their parent. It’s like he’s in love with you.”
Rody stared at her, his expression a mix of disbelief and something else she couldn’t quite place. “That’s… that’s crazy, Manon. Vincent’s been through a lot of trauma. He’s just trying to bond with me, to feel safe.”
“No,” Manon insisted, her voice trembling with the weight of her realization. “It’s more than that. He’s trying to push me out, Rody. He wants me gone so that he can have you all to himself.”
Rody shook his head, sitting up in bed. “You’re overthinking this. Vincent isn’t like that. He’s sweet, caring-“
“In front of you, yes,” Manon interrupted. “But when you’re not around, he’s different. Cold, calculating. He says things to me that make it clear he sees me as the enemy. He wants to take my place, Rody.”
Rody was quiet for a moment, his face clouded with uncertainty. Finally, he sighed, rubbing his temples. “I don’t know, Manon. I just… I can’t believe that Vincent would do something like that. He’s been so good with the kids, with me… I think you might be projecting your fears onto him.”
Manon’s heart sank. She could see that Rody wasn’t ready to accept the truth, that his affection for Vincent had blinded him to the boy’s true nature. But she also knew she couldn’t let this go on any longer. She had to protect her family, even if it meant Rody might not believe her right away.
“I’m not projecting, Rody,” she said quietly, her voice laced with determination. “I’m trying to protect our family. I’m asking you to trust me, to look closer at Vincent’s behavior when you’re not around. Please.”
Rody looked at her, torn. He wanted to believe Manon, but he also didn’t want to believe that the boy he had grown so attached to could be capable of such manipulation. Finally, he nodded slowly. “I’ll… I’ll pay more attention, okay? But Manon, please try to give him a chance. He needs us.”
Manon nodded, though a part of her knew that just “paying more attention” wouldn’t be enough. But for now, it was all she could do. She had to hope that Rody would see what she saw before it was too late.
The days that followed were a test of Manon’s patience and resolve. Vincent, ever the actor, continued his charade of the perfect son. He was attentive to Lucas and Sophie, helping with their homework, playing with them, and even taking on household chores without being asked. To anyone else, he appeared to be the model teenager, eager to please and integrate into the family.
But Manon saw the cracks in his façade. She noticed the way his eyes lingered on Rody, how he would insert himself between them whenever possible, always positioning himself closer to Rody. When Rody wasn’t around, Vincent’s gaze would shift to Manon, cold and calculating, as if daring her to expose him.
One evening, after dinner, Rody announced that he had to stay late at work for a few days to finish a project. Vincent’s eyes lit up at the news, though he quickly masked his excitement with a look of concern.
“Do you need help with anything while you’re busy, Dad?” Vincent asked, his voice dripping with sincerity.
Rody smiled, ruffling Vincent’s hair. “You’re already a big help around here, Vincent. Just keep being your wonderful self.”
Manon felt a pang in her chest as she watched the exchange. Vincent’s expression of adoration for Rody was unmistakable, and she could see the way he relished in Rody’s affection. It was a twisted kind of love, one that sought to erase everything and everyone else from Rody’s life.
As the days went by and Rody was away more often, Vincent’s behavior towards Manon grew bolder. He no longer bothered to hide his contempt for her. One night, after putting Lucas to bed, Manon found Vincent sitting at the kitchen table, his eyes fixed on her with an unnerving intensity.
“Why do you even bother?” Vincent asked, his voice low and mocking.
Manon stiffened, her grip on the dish towel tightening. “What are you talking about?”
“Pretending like you care,” Vincent continued, a smirk playing on his lips. “Rody only married you because you were convenient. A safe choice. But deep down, he knows you’re not the one he really wants.”
Manon’s heart pounded in her chest, but she forced herself to stay calm. “You don’t know anything about our relationship, Vincent.”
“Oh, but I do,” Vincent replied, standing up and slowly approaching her. “I know that he’s growing tired of you. That he comes to me when he needs someone to really understand him. I’m the one who’s always there for him, not you.”
Manon swallowed hard, refusing to back down. “Rody loves me, Vincent. And nothing you do will change that.”
Vincent stopped in front of her, his dark eyes locking onto hers. “We’ll see about that, Manon. Rody belongs to me, and soon, you’ll be nothing more than a distant memory.”
Manon felt a chill run down her spine, but she squared her shoulders and met his gaze head-on. “I won’t let you destroy this family, Vincent. I won’t let you take him from me.”
Vincent leaned in, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered, “You don’t have a choice.”
The tension between them hung in the air, thick and suffocating. Manon knew that Vincent’s obsession with Rody was only growing stronger, and with Rody oblivious to the boy’s true nature, her fight was becoming more desperate. She had to find a way to show Rody the truth before Vincent’s twisted love tore their family apart for good.
—
The next morning, Rody approached Vincent with a mix of apprehension and determination. He found Vincent in the kitchen, quietly making breakfast for Lucas and Sophie, who were still asleep. The sight of Vincent, so gentle and attentive with the little ones, made Rody’s heart ache with doubt. How could someone who seemed to care so much be capable of what Manon had described?
“Vincent,” Rody called softly, stepping into the kitchen.
Vincent looked up, his expression lighting up when he saw Rody. “Good morning, Dad. Did you sleep well?”
Rody nodded, forcing a smile. “Yeah, I did. Can we talk for a minute?”
Vincent’s smile faltered slightly, but he nodded, wiping his hands on a dish towel. “Sure. What’s up?”
Rody gestured for Vincent to sit at the kitchen table. The boy complied, his eyes searching Rody’s face for any sign of what this conversation might be about.
Rody sat across from him, trying to find the right words. “Vincent, I’ve noticed that you’ve been really close to me lately. I appreciate everything you do, but… Manon thinks that maybe you’re feeling something more than just family love.”
Vincent’s eyes widened, and he looked away, feigning shyness. “I… I don’t know what you mean.”
Rody reached out, placing a hand on Vincent’s arm. “It’s okay, Vincent. If you’re confused or feeling something you don’t understand, you can talk to me about it. But I need you to be honest with me.”
Vincent hesitated, his mind racing. He knew he had to be careful, had to play this perfectly. Slowly, he looked up at Rody, his eyes shimmering with what could be mistaken for tears.
“I… I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” Vincent said softly, his voice trembling. “I just… I care about you a lot, Dad. You’ve been so kind to me, more than anyone ever has. I didn’t mean to do anything wrong.”
Rody’s heart softened, and he squeezed Vincent’s arm gently. “You haven’t done anything wrong, Vincent. I just want to make sure you’re okay. We all care about you, and we want you to feel safe here.”
Vincent nodded, biting his lip as if trying to hold back a sob. “I’m sorry if I made things difficult for you and Mom. I never wanted to come between you two.”
Rody’s resolve wavered, and he pulled Vincent into a hug. “It’s okay, Vincent. We’ll work through this. Just… try to understand that Mom and I are a team, okay? We both love you, and we want you to be part of this family.”
Vincent clung to Rody, hiding the smirk that threatened to break through his tearful façade. “I understand, Dad. I’ll try harder.”
As Rody comforted him, Vincent’s mind worked on his next move. He knew he had to be patient, to let Rody think he was backing off. But in the end, Vincent was certain of one thing: Rody would be his, and Manon would pay the price for standing in his way.
—
Later that day, Vincent was in the living room with Lucas and Sophie, reading them a story. He smiled as they laughed at the silly voices he used for the characters, his gaze occasionally flicking toward the hallway where Manon was.
Manon, sitting nearby with a book, watched the scene with a mixture of unease and resignation. Vincent was doing everything right, his behavior so carefully crafted that it was hard for anyone to see through his façade. It was a constant reminder of how vulnerable she felt in her own home.
When Rody finally came home, he joined them in the living room. Vincent immediately shifted his attention to him, wrapping him in a hug. “Welcome home, Dad! I’ve been taking care of everything here.”
Rody smiled, ruffling Vincent’s hair. “Thanks, Vincent. How’s everyone doing?”
“Lucas and Sophie are great,” Vincent said, his voice sweet and affectionate. “They’ve been having a blast. I’ve just been trying to help out as much as I can.”
Rody looked pleased, nodding toward Manon. “See? Vincent’s been fantastic with the kids.”
Manon forced a smile, her stomach twisting as she watched the interaction. “Yes, he’s been very helpful.”
As the evening progressed, Vincent continued his act, making sure to show extra affection towards Rody and the kids. He was careful to keep up the illusion of being the perfect son while subtly undermining Manon whenever Rody wasn’t looking. Every little thing Vincent did seemed designed to highlight her shortcomings in Rody’s eyes, and she could see the cracks forming in the fragile balance of their family.
That night, after the kids were asleep, Rody and Manon sat together on the porch, the silence between them heavy with unspoken words.
“Rody, we need to talk,” Manon said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Rody looked at her, his expression weary. “I thought we talked this morning.”
Manon shook her head, her eyes pleading. “I know, but it’s getting worse. Vincent’s behavior-it’s like he’s trying to drive a wedge between us. He’s always so perfect in front of you, but behind closed doors, he’s manipulative and deceitful.”
Rody sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t know what to think, Manon. I see the way Vincent acts with the kids, with me. It’s hard for me to believe that he’s capable of such things.”
“I understand that it’s difficult,” Manon said softly, “but please, just watch him closely. Don’t let his act fool you. I’m afraid for what might happen if things continue this way.”
Rody took her hand, squeezing it gently. “I promise I’ll keep an eye on him. I’ll try to be more aware of what’s going on.”
Manon nodded, her eyes filled with gratitude and anxiety. “Thank you, Rody. I just want us to be a family again, without any more games or deceit.”
As they sat together in the quiet of the night, both of them hoped that they could find a way to protect their family from the storm that Vincent was brewing. But with Vincent’s charming façade still firmly in place, it was clear that the path ahead would be anything but easy.
The days following the conversation between Rody and Manon were fraught with tension. Rody was determined to keep a closer eye on Vincent, but the boy’s behavior was so perfectly orchestrated that it was nearly impossible for him to detect any wrongdoing. Vincent seemed to sense Rody’s scrutiny and only heightened his performance, reinforcing his role as the ideal, loving son.
One evening, as Rody was working late on a project for work, Vincent saw an opportunity to create more friction. Manon had been particularly stressed, trying to manage the house and deal with Vincent’s constant attention. Her patience was wearing thin, and Vincent knew it. He decided to push her buttons, testing how far he could go before she snapped.
In the living room, Vincent was sitting on the floor, playing with Lucas and Sophie. Manon was nearby, attempting to catch up on some paperwork. Vincent, sensing her irritation, began to subtly taunt her.
“Mom,” Vincent said, his tone sweet but laced with a hint of mockery, “I thought you were going to help me with the project I asked about. I really need your help, you know.”
Manon looked up from her papers, her eyes tired and frustrated. “Vincent, I’m busy right now. Can’t you see that?”
“But you said you’d help,” Vincent persisted, his voice growing more insistent. “You’re always saying you’ll help me, but you never do.”
Manon’s face flushed with anger, and she tried to stay calm. “I’m doing my best, Vincent. You need to understand that I have other responsibilities too.”
Lucas and Sophie, sensing the tension, looked from Vincent to Manon with concern. Vincent, however, was relentless. He continued to push Manon’s buttons, deliberately making cutting remarks and playing the victim.
“Maybe if you actually cared about me,” Vincent said, his voice dripping with false hurt, “you’d spend more time with me instead of just doing your paperwork.”
Manon’s patience finally snapped. Her face red with frustration, she stood up and took a step toward Vincent. “You know what, Vincent? I’m sick of your constant demands. I’m doing my best, and you’re not helping!”
In a moment of desperation, she raised her hand and swatted Vincent on the arm, not hard but enough to express her anger. At that very moment, Rody walked through the door, his eyes falling on the scene before him.
Vincent’s eyes widened in feigned shock, his face going pale. He cradled his arm, his expression one of betrayal and hurt. “Dad, she hit me! I was just asking for help, and she got so angry…”
Rody’s heart sank as he took in the scene. Manon was standing with her hand still in the air, her face a mix of anger and guilt. Rody’s blood ran cold as he saw Vincent’s tearful, wounded expression and heard his sob story.
“Manon, what’s going on?” Rody demanded, his voice tight with emotion. “Why did you hit him?”
Manon’s face crumpled, and she opened her mouth to explain, but Vincent cut her off, his voice trembling with false hurt. “Dad, I didn’t do anything wrong. I was just asking for help, and she lost control. I’m sorry if I upset her, but I didn’t mean to upset her.”
Rody’s eyes darted between Manon and Vincent, the weight of the situation crashing down on him. He struggled to reconcile what he was seeing with the Manon he knew, the woman he loved.
“Manon,” Rody said, his voice strained, “I don’t understand. Why would you do this?”
“I didn’t mean to hurt him,” Manon said, her voice breaking. “I just… I lost my temper. But he’s been pushing me, Rody. He’s been provoking me on purpose.”
Rody’s gaze shifted back to Vincent, who was now wiping away fake tears and giving Rody a pleading look. “I just… I don’t know what to think. Vincent’s been so… perfect around me. It’s hard to believe he’d provoke you like that.”
Vincent’s expression turned to one of subtle satisfaction as he watched the conflict unfold. “Dad, please believe me. I don’t want to be a burden. I just want to be part of this family, but it’s hard when Mom treats me like this.”
Rody’s heart was torn. He wanted to believe Manon, but the evidence before him was damning. He could see the way Vincent was crying while cradling his arm, and it made him question everything.
“Manon,” Rody said slowly, “I need some time to think about this. I need to understand what’s really happening here.”
Manon nodded, her eyes filled with tears. “I understand, Rody. I just hope you can see that Vincent’s not the angel he pretends to be.”
As Rody walked away, his mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. He couldn’t shake the image of Vincent’s tearful face and the way Manon’s actions had appeared to an outsider. It felt like the foundation of their family was crumbling, and he wasn’t sure how to hold it all together.
Vincent, watching Rody leave, allowed himself a small, triumphant smile. His plan was working, and he was one step closer to achieving his goal. The more he could drive a wedge between Rody and Manon, the closer he would be to having Rody all to himself.
As Manon sat alone, her heart heavy with regret and fear, she knew the battle wasn’t over. She had to find a way to make Rody see the truth before Vincent’s machinations tore their family apart completely.
The days that followed were marked by an ever-deepening chasm between Rody and Manon. Rody’s trust in Vincent continued to grow, fueled by the boy’s calculated displays of vulnerability and kindness. Meanwhile, Manon’s attempts to reveal Vincent’s true nature seemed futile, overshadowed by Vincent’s incessant act and Rody’s growing doubt.
One evening, as the house was bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, Rody returned from work to find Manon in the kitchen, looking particularly distressed. Vincent was once again in the living room, playing with Lucas and Sophie. As Rody walked in, he could hear the soft murmur of Vincent’s voice, comforting the children.
“Hey, Manon,” Rody said, his tone weary. “How’s everything?”
Manon looked up, her face a mixture of frustration and exhaustion. “Rody, we need to talk. I’m really at my breaking point here.”
Rody nodded, following her into the kitchen. “What’s going on?”
Manon took a deep breath. “I need you to understand that Vincent is manipulating you. He’s been provoking me on purpose, trying to make me look bad in your eyes. He wants to come between us.”
Rody’s expression hardened, a trace of skepticism in his eyes. “Manon, I’ve seen how Vincent is around the kids. He’s always so sweet and caring. It’s hard for me to believe he’s doing this intentionally.”
Manon’s eyes filled with tears of frustration. “You have to believe me, Rody. I’m trying to protect our family. He’s been pushing my buttons, and every time I react, he twists it to make me look like the bad guy.”
Before Rody could respond, Vincent walked in, his face pale but innocent. He had overheard part of the conversation and seized the opportunity.
“Dad,” Vincent said softly, “I overheard some of what Mom was saying. I’m really sorry if I’ve caused any trouble. I never meant to be a burden.”
Rody turned to Vincent, his expression conflicted. “Vincent, we’re just trying to understand what’s going on.”
Vincent looked at Manon with a sad, hurt expression. “Mom, I don’t understand why you’re so angry with me. I’ve been doing everything I can to be good and fit in. Why are you treating me like this?”
Manon’s face flushed with anger and helplessness. “I’m not treating you badly, Vincent. You’re deliberately trying to create conflict.”
As Vincent stood there, feigning hurt, Rody’s gaze shifted from him to Manon. The sight of Vincent’s innocent demeanor and Manon’s frustration made Rody’s heart sink.
“Manon,” Rody said slowly, “I don’t know what to think. This is really hard for me.”
Manon’s eyes filled with tears. “Rody, I’m telling you the truth. I don’t know how to prove it to you, but Vincent is manipulating this entire situation. Please, just try to see it.”
Rody shook his head, looking pained. “I want to believe you, Manon, but it’s difficult when everything I see seems to contradict what you’re saying.”
Vincent stepped forward, his voice trembling with false emotion. “Dad, I just want to be loved and accepted. If Mom can’t do that, then maybe it’s better if I stay away.”
The tension in the room was palpable. Rody looked from Vincent to Manon, struggling to make sense of the conflicting emotions. The image of Vincent, vulnerable and innocent, weighed heavily on him.
“I think,” Rody said finally, “maybe it’s best if we take a break from each other for a while. We need some time to figure this out.”
Manon’s face fell, her heart breaking at the thought of being distanced from her family. “Rody, please…”
“I’m sorry, Manon,” Rody said, his voice firm but pained. “I need some space to sort through my thoughts.”
With that, Rody turned and walked out of the room, leaving Manon standing alone, her tears flowing freely. Vincent watched Rody leave with a self-satisfied smirk, knowing his plan had worked.
As Rody spent the night away from the house, his mind was a whirlwind of confusion and conflict. He was torn between the image of Vincent’s innocent demeanor and the accusations from Manon. The love and trust he once had for Manon seemed to crumble with every passing day, while Vincent’s calculated charm continued to weave its spell around him.
—
The weeks passed in a haze of strained interactions and mounting tension. Rody, captivated by Vincent’s carefully crafted charm and seemingly selfless acts, found himself drifting further away from Manon. Vincent’s manipulative behavior, though subtle, was beginning to create an unbridgeable rift in Rody and Manon’s relationship.
One evening, Rody came home early to find Vincent preparing dinner. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of Rody’s favorite dish-one Vincent had learned to cook perfectly. Vincent greeted him with a warm smile, his eyes sparkling with a mix of innocence and something deeper.
“Hi, Dad,” Vincent said softly. “I wanted to make something special for you tonight. You’ve been working so hard lately.”
Rody’s heart softened at Vincent’s gesture. “Thanks, Vincent. That means a lot.”
As they sat down for dinner, Vincent seized the opportunity to deepen his emotional manipulation. He casually mentioned, “Dad, I’ve been thinking a lot about what’s best for our family. I know things haven’t been easy with Mom.”
Rody looked up from his plate, sensing the gravity in Vincent’s tone. “What do you mean?”
Vincent took a deep breath, his eyes locking with Rody’s. “I think it might be better if we found a way to be closer, without all the stress and negativity. I care about you so much, and I just want us to be happy.”
Rody’s heart skipped a beat. “Vincent, what are you trying to say?”
Vincent reached across the table, placing his hand gently over Rody’s. “Dad, I love you. I want us to be more than just family. I want to be close to you, in every way.”
Rody’s face flushed with confusion and a hint of desire. Before he could respond, the sound of the door opening interrupted them. Manon walked in, her expression a mixture of weariness and apprehension.
“Rody, we need to talk,” Manon said, her voice trembling.
Rody’s gaze shifted from Manon to Vincent. “Not now, Manon. Vincent and I were having an important conversation.”
Manon’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Important? You mean about Vincent trying to manipulate you?”
Vincent’s expression turned pained. “Mom, I don’t want to cause trouble. I was just expressing how I feel. I don’t understand why you’re making such a big deal out of it.”
Manon’s frustration boiled over. “Vincent, you’re playing a game. You’re trying to come between us, and it’s working! I’ve tried to warn you, Rody. He’s been manipulating you from the start!”
Rody’s face hardened as he looked at Manon. “Manon, I don’t want to hear this right now. Vincent has been nothing but supportive.”
Vincent, sensing an opportunity, stepped closer to Rody, his hand still on his. “Dad, please. I just want us to be a family. I’ve done everything I can to be good, and I love you. I don’t want to see you hurt.”
Manon’s face crumpled with a mix of anger and desperation. “Rody, please believe me. Vincent is using you. He’s trying to make me look bad so he can take my place.”
Rody’s eyes were conflicted. He saw Vincent’s tearful expression and heard the sincerity in his voice. “Manon, I need to think. I can’t keep doing this.”
Manon’s tears flowed freely as she tried to reason with him. “Rody, don’t let him deceive you. I’ve been trying to protect our family. You’re making a mistake!”
But Rody’s mind was already made up. The more he saw Vincent’s devotion and care, the more convinced he became that Manon was the issue.
“I think it’s best if we take a break,” Rody said, his voice firm but pained. “I need some space to sort things out.”
Manon’s heart shattered at Rody’s words. She packed her belongings, her eyes filled with sorrow and betrayal. Vincent, ever the picture of innocence, stood by Rody’s side, offering comfort and support.
As Manon left, Vincent clung to Rody with a mix of relief and a false display of sadness. “Dad, I’m so sorry for all of this. I just want to be with you and make things better.”
With Manon gone, Vincent continued his role as the perfect child. He took care of the house, tended to the children, and was always affectionate and supportive toward Rody. His actions were calculated to reinforce his place in Rody’s heart.
Rody, now fully immersed in his life with Vincent, found it increasingly difficult to remember the reasons he had been skeptical of Vincent in the first place. Vincent’s manipulative charm had succeeded in winning over Rody completely, while Manon’s absence only seemed to validate Vincent’s role in their family.
Vincent’s ultimate victory was complete. He had managed to replace Manon, secure Rody’s affections, and embed himself into the fabric of their family. As Vincent took on his new role, he basked in the satisfaction of having achieved his deepest desire: to be close to Rody in every way, while Rody remained blissfully unaware of the full extent of Vincent’s manipulations.
The family’s dynamic had shifted irrevocably, with Vincent’s carefully crafted persona ensuring that he was the one who had triumphed, leaving Manon to grapple with the consequences of a relationship forever altered by Vincent’s deceit.
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